CHIEF ECONOMIC POLICY ANALYST

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Scheduled Work Days & Work Hours

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Class Definition

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: At the highest level of expertise, to undertake the most complex professional special and recurring assignments involving analysis and research of complex and critical issues impacting the state budget, regulation, or policy structures including, but not limited to, forecasting revenue and budget drivers such as program growth and/or enrollment, evaluating expenditures and investments; with the highest level of latitude and independence, to assess, initiate, and interpret governmental economic factors and policy in order to perform cost-benefit analysis and research of a quantitative and qualitative nature used to develop state government policy and programs and evaluate their effect; to determine the impact of legislation proposed by the Governor and/or General Assembly; and to do related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the administrative direction of a superior with the highest level of latitude for the exercise of initiative and independent judgment in the utilization for professional standards and techniques; work is reviewed through conferences and reports upon completion for results obtained and for conformance to law, rules and regulations, instructions, objectives and departmental policies.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Supervises department personnel and administrative staff and ensures that work products are developed in a qualitative and timely manner.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

• At the highest level of expertise, to undertake the most complex professional special and recurring assignments involving analysis and research of complex and critical issues impacting the state budget, regulation, or policy structures including, but not limited to, forecasting revenue and budget drivers such as program growth and/or enrollment, evaluating expenditures and investments. With the highest level of latitude and independence, to assess, initiate, and interpret governmental economic factors and policy in order to perform cost-benefit analysis and research of a quantitative and qualitative nature used to develop state government policy and programs and evaluate their effect.
• To provide the highest level of expertise in research design, analysis and data needed to examine issues, trends and program evaluations.
• To assist and act in a confidential capacity to managers who formulate, determine and effectuate management policies, program structures, fiscal and budgetary funding and allocations.
• To perform complex analysis of statewide multidisciplinary operational issues by utilizing econometric and other statistical methods to assess and forecast revenue associated items and expenditure drivers and apply data analysis protocols to reach accurate conclusions.
• To interpret and apply policies, business practices, federal or state laws and regulations, etc. in performing policy analysis.
• To identify, analyze and estimate the impact, including the economic impact through the use of economic models, of changes in policy, business practices, program performance, federal or state laws and regulations, etc. to existing programs or the establishment of new programs.
• To estimate the impact on the state budget of program and policy changes and the impact of legislation proposed by the Governor and/or the General Assembly.
• To utilize research data in order to make recommendations to policy officials to improve existing programs, combine programs, utilize resources and determine the net impact and feasibility of such proposed changes.
• To write policy and position memos, technical reports or other documents based upon research, investigation or analysis.
• To present analysis results and make recommendations to policy officials with information necessary to make informed decisions and take appropriate action on specific state program operations, issues and policies.
• To develop recommendations designed to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• As required, contacts key management to explain proposals, resolve differences, secure coordination and cooperation in current and proposed studies.
• To attend meetings with appropriate personnel to discuss recommendations and related implementation issues, as required.
• To do related work as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT:

KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND CAPACITIES: An expert knowledge of the principles and practices of policy analysis including policy development, coordination, economic analysis, costbenefit analysis and implementation; an expert knowledge of the organizational structures common in government and the functions of departments and agencies therein; an expert knowledge of organization and management including public administration, governmental budgeting and program evaluation; an expert knowledge of the role of outside interest groups in the formulation of policy; expertise to identify problem areas and to work with highest level of independence in analyzing and evaluating highly complex statistical data; expertise in applying logic and analytical techniques to determine underlying principles, reasons, patterns, or facts associated with data and other information to draw conclusions; substantial experience in supervising and coordinating assigned subordinate staff; expertise in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with state and municipal officials, superiors, subordinates and the public; expert ability to prepare clear and concise objective analyses and recommendations; expert ability to use statistical software in performing complex research and preparing conclusions; and related capacities and abilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Education: Such as may have been gained through: possession of a Master’s Degree from a college of recognized standing with specialization in Public or Business Administration, Economics, Statistics, Public Policy, or a closely related field; and

Experience: Such as may have been gained through: extensive employment in a professional position performing review and analysis of policies and programs in a governmental, public affairs or business context.

Or, any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience.

Supplemental Information

Benefits

For information regarding the benefits available to State of Rhode Island employees, please visit the Office of Employee Benefits' website at http://www.employeebenefits.ri.gov/.
 

Also, be advised that a new provision in RI General Law 35-6-1 was enacted requiring direct deposit for all employees. Specific to new hires, the law requires that all employees hired after September 30, 2014 participate in direct deposit. Accordingly, any employee hired after this date will be required to participate in the direct deposit system. At the time the employee is hired, the employee shall identify a financial institution that will serve as a personal depository agency for the employee.